Industrial environments rely on power supplies for a variety of operations where a stable current of electricity is required. However, a power supply differs from a power source as it isn’t an outlet, battery, or generator. In this Preferred Spares guide, we take a look at power sources and provide an installation guide for the LRS-35-5 AC and DC Input Power Supply from Mean Well. First things first, though.

 

What is a power supply? 

A power supply refers to a device that converts electric current to the correct voltage, format and frequency needed to power the load. There are various options for power supply available, and their functions depend on whether you need to change the voltage, regulate energy, or convert power.

It’s important to ensure the power supply you invest in matches your electrical needs to prevent damaging the devices you need to power. The main function of power supplies is to change voltage and to prevent overload, these devices step down or step up the voltage to meet the needs of the device.

There are two types of power supplies: DC-DC and AC-DC. With DC-DC power supplies, you can plug in electrical devices to sources that supply direct current (DC) power. However, AC-DC power supplies are more common and convert alternating current (AC) into a stable DC voltage.

 

How does a power supply work?

Power supplies change the voltage and convert current to DC power. The voltage being sent out is unregulated, but if the source requires regulated voltage, power supply devices can regulate it to smooth out waves. To better understand how these devices work, we can look at the individual parts involved and how they function.

Power supplies consist of different components that allow the unit to convert power and regulate voltage. It’s important to note that not all power supplies have the same parts.

Transformer: Changes incoming voltage to the desired outgoing voltage.

Rectifier: Converts incoming power to DC.

Filter: When AC power is converted to DC, the filter smooths out the waves to output unregulated power.

Regulator: Reduces the ripple voltages and gets rid of voltage surges or drops that may damage plugged-in devices.

 

When are they used?

Power supplies are used to power various electronic devices in different industries. These devices can provide energy to appliances, lights, machinery and other types of equipment. Powering industrial control devices is much more complex than powering network devices that are used in homes or offices.

 

Installation guide for the Mean Well LRS-35-5 AC-DC Single output enclosed power supply

One of the solutions available on the Preferred Spares website is the Mean Well LRS-35-5 AC-DC Single output enclosed power supply. This is an enclosed-type switching power supply that features a plastic covering case.

Here’s how to install the Mean Well LRS-35-5 AC-DC Single output enclosed power supply:

1. Disconnect your system from the utility and ensure it cannot be reconnected during the installation process. 
2. Ensure there is adequate insulation distance between mounting screws and the internal components of the power supply. 
3. Ensure you achieve the optimum mounting position before beginning the process. 
4. Make sure fans and ventilation holes are free from any obstructions and that any adjacent heat sources are kept at a 10-15 cm distance. 
5. Ensure all strands of each wire enter the terminal connection and that terminals are fixed to prevent poor contact.

 

It’s also important to be aware of the risks involved in power supply installation.

• Risk of electrical shock - ensure a qualified technician examines the equipment.
• Do not install near high moisture or near water.
• Do not install in high temperatures or near sources of fire. 
• Ensure current and output wattage doesn’t exceed specifications.

 

Discover the range of power supplies and spare parts from Preferred Spares

Preferred Spares is one of the leading suppliers of industrial equipment and spare parts in the UAE. Delivering robust power supplies and batteries from the world’s most renowned suppliers such as Mean Well, Maxell, Saft, Leroy Somer, FDK, Tadiran and more, you can discover a huge range of machinery and spare parts for all industrial applications. 

 

Check out the range of power supplies and batteries from Preferred Spares.